Chapter 17

BPOV

The days after returning from Chicago were hectic, there was quite a bit involved for the party on Saturday. In reality it was several parties taking place at once, the morning would be geared to the young kids, afternoon and evening were more family oriented, late evening until about 10 would be for the under 18 crowd and after that was just for the adults. There would live music, games, bouncy houses, food, fireworks and much more. I made sure to provide a place where the kids could nap and anyone that had too much alcohol would spend the night. For the executives and Hope House residents alike it was a way to say we're proud of what you have accomplished.

I have not seen much of Edward since Tuesday, he is putting all of his effort into the Swan bid. The firms that went to Chicago are all aggressively pursuing the bid, they have all been in touch with the facility for follow up questions. I contacted all the Swan Board members concerning the comments that were made at Monday's dinner, it was decided that the Board would vote on who would be awarded the contract. No one would be able to say I played favorites, I would be one vote out of 9 to decide. I was able to meet with Esme for lunch to go over plans for her Garden Party and if I was honest I was sorry I would have to miss it. I am sure it would be the party of the year and not in a good way. She promised to record as much of it as she could for me. I warned her to expect complaints about the party I was hosting, between the live music that would go most of the day and night and the games that would be held on the beach, not to mention the kids swimming I was sure they would complain to her.

Stephen was not happy with the security set up. During the day it would be fairly easy but when the sun started going down it would be much harder to keep things secure unless someone was with me at all times. It would be one of the few times the estate was not secure, there would be too many people coming and going. Edward and Stephen double teamed me so that I would have 2 people with me at all times, Anthony and someone else, if not Edward then one of my detail. They had also circulated Jacob and Tanya's pictures with the staff to be on the look out for them, if they were stupid enough to come here they would be recognized immediately.

I woke Saturday to sunshine, which was a surprise that I knew wouldn't last but at least they weren't calling for rain today. I was walking the estate making sure everything was ready for the guests. We were expecting the people with young kids to start showing up around 10 am and when they did we were not disappointed. The kids immediately ran to petting zoo or the carnival games, kids won every time so they could make a killing there if they did it long enough. Once Barney and SpongeBob arrived the kids where in heaven.

I hired several high school girls to supervise the kids so the parents could relax. For the adults there was beach volleyball, swimming, Rock Band or they could just relax knowing their kids were in good hands. After a lunch of typical cook out foods; burgers, hot dogs, chips, potato salad, the younger children went inside to take their naps and the families with older kids started to show up. The DJ had set up and was playing a good mix of music, the stage was being readied for the bands and teams were being drawn for the different competitions. We have a tug-o-war, obstacle course and several relay games, the winner would get bragging rights for the year and from past years the winners exploited those rights to the fullest. Usually it was employees vs. spouses which would give us a good mix of men and women but with the joint party this year we drew names out of a hat.

We were down to the final two teams and the final obstacle course was a mix of games, some physical, puzzles and you had to finish as a team. Hannah Montana was on stage, the cooks had set up the open fire spit to roast the ribs and chickens that would be dinner. I was making my way down the beach with Anthony to referee one of the puzzle challenges and keep everyone honest, I was beginning to wonder where Edward was. I knew he had gone golfing with Carlisle, Jasper and Emmett to unwind and go over the bid that was due next week in a relaxed atmosphere but I expected him to be here by now. I hoped he would be here for dinner and the entertainment afterward, I had a couple of surprises I didn't want him to miss out on and I hoped he would remember to take some things with a sense of humor. We had just reached the puzzle when raised voices reached us. I turned in the direction of the Cullen mansion and their backyard looked like a bar fight had broken out and the shouting was getting louder. I turned to Anthony, "It looks a fight is happening at the Cullen's. I think we should call someone to break it up."

"With pleasure," Anthony mumbled as he pulled out his phone to call 911 and report the disturbance.

Esme POV

I had just pushed Carlisle out the door to go play golf with the boys, I did not need him underfoot questioning again if this was a good idea. Good idea or not some times a person just had to take a stand and that is how I thought of this party. We would stand by Edward and Bella and this would demonstrate just how far we would go in our loyalty to them. After my conversation with Edward when he returned from Chicago my main goal today was to make Seattle more comfortable for them.

"Mom I don't think I could ask Bella to live in Seattle. She is more relaxed in Chicago and when we toured the facility, her employees love her, no animosity, no hostility. Her entire body literally relaxed when we reached Swan Manor and she didn't tense back up again until we landed at SEA-TAC."

"I understand Edward but I still feel the need to do this to make a statement that treating her this way is not okay. I want her to at least be comfortable enough to visit."

"I know Mom and she does now, what you need to remember is she doesn't like the high society things any more then I do. She is more concerned about what effect all this has on the Cullen's than her."

Carlisle overheard part of the conversation and told me to be prepared for them to leave Seattle, Edward had approached him about moving his office to Chicago if necessary. Nothing had been decided but Edward wanted to know his options when they did discuss it. I was pulled from my musing as I did a final check on the party set up by the sounds of children, a lot of them on the beach. It sounded as if everyone was having a good time.

Rose and Alice arrived before any one else and we went over the order of things to happen. Essentially we were hosting a high tea with scones, finger sandwiches, tea and butlers. We had decided against serving alcohol, the subject matter alone would keep things interesting and it wouldn't stop some of the women from sneaking in their own.

"Have we confirmed who will be reading poems today?" Rose asked.

"Yes, you, Alice and I along with Angela Weber, Liz Bainbridge, Emily Babcock and Susan Wilder are all ready to do it. They know they will be spilling secrets but that is it, I told to be prepared to read anything with a straight face and was assured they could do it." The doorbell rang, "Show time ladies." I went to the door and Rose and Alice went to the kitchen to check on things.

Everyone was here, the Denali's, Newton, Stanley, Yorkie and Tanya's friends, Victoria and Charlotte. As I mingled I could hear the murmurings about Bella, how this being planned at the same time was a slap in the face to her, Edward would surely leave her soon since I obviously didn't support their relationship and how loud Bella's party was. They ate, they laughed, they poked fun at the people not in attendance and then everyone settled in to start the poetry reading. In my opinion the fun was just starting.

Susan approached the podium, "I am going to read a poem that we all know, it's entitled 'Love'.

Pathetic and pitiful

These are the words that describe Tanya Denali

She drugs the love of her life

To get him away from Isabella

While she is screwing his arch enemy

And feeding him information

All the while pining for Edward

As Susan sat down you could see the confused looks on everyone's faces, they had no idea what was happening. They clapped meekly and looked towards Kate and Irina Denali to see what they thought of the poem.

Emily Babcock went up next, she is 75 and looked like your typical grandmother. "The name of my poem is 'Vegas and Liz Newton'."

The second her husband walks out that door

She is hacking into his safe

To get the money for her version of fun

She jumps in the car and drives to Vegas

Hoping that the Chippendales are showing tonight

Then she can hit the slots late and the blackjack table

She hits that speed dial number

And waits for the man that she knows is on his way up to the room

And is going to work the pole that she preordered

Liz Newton looked as if she wanted to crawl under the table as the other ladies sat around and smirked, if they only knew what was coming. Angela walked to the podium, "Today I will be reading about 'Mr. & Mrs. Stanley'."

She waits on the street corner

And smiles as the black Lexus pulls up

She opens the door and gets in

She smiles at Mr. Stanley and waits for the signal

That she can begin her work

Meanwhile...

Horse coach and pool girl

waiting in bed for her

chlorine, dirty, wet, sweating

Jessica can not wait

Angela walked back to her table and some ladies were now openly laughing. I think they felt comfortable because nothing new had been revealed, yet. Liz Bainbridge stepped up to the podium and people were very surprised, there was a reason it was called Bainbridge Island. "The name of my poem is 'Mrs. Yorkie's Daughter'."

Tuesdays and Fridays

Mike Newton has adulterous fun

With the young lady that files his documents

And takes his calls but reschedules them

So that she can be bent over his desk once again.

"What?" Mrs. Yorkie yelled. She turned to face Liz Newton, "Your husband is sleeping with my daughter, my 19 year old daughter?" Liz couldn't even look at her. Alice walked up the podium. "I hope you all are enjoying yourselves so far. Let's continue with 'Sharing'.

Victoria, James

Tie me up

Charlotte, Peter

Spank me

Kate, Garrett

Call me your slut

Switch partners

Do it all again

Sharing is fun

Victoria stood up and shouted at Alice, "What the fuck! How do you know all these things?"

Charlotte pulled her back down and tried to whisper, "Shut up, you are just confirming everything."

Alice high fived Rose as she was on her way to the podium. "Now it is time for, 'When It Isn't Sharing'.

We share

And that's ok

But do you know what happens

When you are away

Kate and Peter

have nights at the Fairmont

Victoria and Garrett remember

the night by the monument

James and Charlotte stay at home

but that doesn't mean they are alone

If you are hiding these things

Is it still sharing?

Kate, Charlotte and Victoria all yelled, "You are fucking my husband on the side?"

Victoria looked at Kate, "Yes I am and I'm not the only one, am I Jessica?" Victoria was looking directly at Jessica Stanley.

"Hey, at least I'm not as bad as Tanya, she's fucked all three, at once and separately and one of them is her brother-in-law." Jessica shouted.

"What? You are lying she wouldn't do that, take that back." Kate screamed as she lunged for Jessica.

That is how the fight started, with everyone trying to get out others secrets first. Rose was right, it took on a life on of it's own. Rose looked down the beach, "I see Bella so it shouldn't be too long before..."

She didn't finish her sentence before we heard the sirens. The police were very calm when they arrived and tried to be nice about things but as the ladies fought back they ended up getting arrested for assaulting a police officer.

"This is too good." Alice said.

"Oh it is about to get better." I said I stopped the officers before they could take them through the house. "Ladies I want to thank you for coming today and I hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as I did. Remember ladies when you mess with one Cullen you mess with all of them. Continue to gossip about Edward or Bella and everything that happened today will be revealed in a much more public manner. Also, remember to smile for the cameras." They all looked confused at my last statement until the exited the house, as the flashes started so did the yelling.

"Thank you for letting me be a part of this Esme, it was long overdue." Angela said, as Liz, Emily and Susan stood behind her nodding their heads.

"No, thank you for doing it ladies." As I was closing the door behind them I heard Jules asking them questions about what had happened that required the police. I turned to Alice and Rose, "Let's get changed and go to Bella's." We were laughing and retelling our favorite parts as we walked upstairs to change.

EPOV

I arrived at Bella's later than I wanted to but we were having a good time golfing. We had discussed the bid and how things were going with the investigation into Aro. It seemed as if my father was holding something back but I knew he would talk about it when he could. He had known and done business with Aro and Eleazar a long time, I think he was more angered and hurt by their actions because they used his company than anything else. The FBI was getting very close to Aro and we all hoped that threat would be gone soon.

Anthony told me Bella was on the beach with Anthony, near the border with my parents property, refereeing one of the games, so I walked down to let her know I had arrived. As I approached I could hear yelling but noticed they were looking towards my parents' house.

"Bella, what is happening?" I called to her.

She turned to face me and I could see she was trying very hard not to laugh. She ran and jumped up in my arms, "I am watching the spectacle that is Esme's party, they have actually broken out into a fight." I looked to where she pointed and was shocked to see what looked like quite the brawl happening on my parents' lawn. I was laughing when I felt my cell phone vibrate with a message.

Edward -

We're here. Where are you and Bella?

- Jasper

Jasper-

On the beach, watching the fight at mom's party.

-Edward

Dad, Jasper and Emmett reached us just as I heard sirens in the distance.

"Oh my" Dad said. "I warned her that something like this would happen."

"It's going to get even better Carlisle." Bella said and she started to laugh again. She turned to Anthony, "Time for the next call." He stepped away to make a quick call and then nodded at Bella.

"What did you do?" I asked Bella while poking her in the side.

"Nothing I wasn't suppose to, trust me. Just watch the show." We watched as the police came into the backyard to break things up and started handcuffing people. "It gets even better, Jules and a couple of her friends are in front of the house ready to take pictures as they are put in the squad cars."

"Are you sure that is ok Bella?" Jasper asked.

"Yes, nothing will be put in print without being approved but I will receive several copies of the pictures. Rose is actually the one that thought the police should be called and Esme requested some reporters that I trust. If this doesn't teach them about throwing stones nothing will."

We made our way back to the party and were just sitting down to dinner when Esme, Alice and Rose joined us.

"Your party looked like fun Esme, do the cops normally attend?" Bella asked with a laugh.

"No, not all of them just the special parties." Esme laughed.

"How did it go, really?" Bella asked.

"It was great, they were taken very off guard and as Rose expected once secrets started being told they were all over each other." Alice laughed.

"The look on their faces when the cops showed was good but when they realized they were being photographed on the way to the cars was priceless." Rose said. "I can't wait until gossip starts up about this."

After dinner Bella excused herself for a moment, the DJ was playing and everyone was enjoying themselves when I heard Bella's voice from the stage.

"I want to thank everyone for coming out today and I hope you have all had a good time. I need to warn the parents that after the band plays a few songs the PG-13 portion of our evening will be over. Those of you have attended before know how out of hand things can get but for our newcomers, when the DJ starts back up we have dance contests and other games that should not be witnessed by those under 18. The girls are inside ready to take the kids just be sure to let them know if there are any allergies or a movie or game that they shouldn't watch. Now, two of the fathers from Hope House are in the band Last Chance and the first two songs they will be playing go out to the people that are loved and are by Bon Jovi."

I expected Bella to come back and sit with us. I was shocked when a baby grand piano was pushed onto the stage and she sat down to play with a head mike on. As she played the intro the song was familiar but I couldn't place the name of it. I was so caught up in the beauty of her playing I wasn't listening to the words.

"Edward, are you listening to this?" Alice asked.

"What?"

"The song is "Story of My Life" and you need to listen to the words." Alice replied.

I pulled my gaze away from Bella and listened to the rest of the song.

I'm gonna write the melody - That's gonna make history

And when I paint my masterpiece I swear I'll show you first

There just ain't a way to see who and why or what will be - Till now is then

It's a mystery, it's a blessing and a curse - or something worse

This is the story of my life - And I write it everyday

I know it isn't black and white - And it's anything but grey

I know that no I'm not alright, but I feel ok cause

Anything can, everything can happen - That's the story of my life

This is the story of my life - And I write it everyday

And I hope you're by my side when I'm writing the last page

The music was ending and I looked back to Bella, she was looking right at me as the music picked back up and they sang the chorus again. When she sang the last line about writing the last page I knew she wanted me in her life the same way I did her - forever.

The lead singer pulled a stool close to the piano and he had an acoustic guitar, she was the only one with a microphone. Bella started playing and then she started singing and blew me away.

How you spend your minutes are what matters- All tomorrows come from yesterday's

When you're feeling broke and bruised and sometimes shattered

Blew out the candles on the cake like everything's a big mistake

It seems you always wait for life to happen - And your last buck can't buy a lucky break

If all we've got is us then life's worth living - And if you're in, you know I'm in

I'm ready and I'm willing

I am

When you think that no one needs you - Sees you or believes you

No ones there to understand

I am

I'll be there to be that someone - When you think that no one is there to hold your hand

I am

We're just who we are, there's no pretending

It takes a while to learn to live in your own skin

Say a prayer that we might find our happy ending - And if you're in, you know I'm in

I'm ready and willing

I am

"I had no idea she could sing like this. Did you Edward?" Esme asked.

"No, I've seen her music room so I knew she played at least one instrument but I had no idea she sang. Do you know what this song is Alice?"

"Yes, it's I Am by Bon Jovi. Is she trying to tell you something?"

I nodded my head and went back to listening and watching Bella.

And I ain't got no halo hanging over my head

I ain't gonna judge you, I'm just here to love you

I am - I am

I excused myself from the table and walked across the dance floor to wait for Bella to finish. I got the attention of one of the band members and asked for a request, he assured me they knew the song and would play it next. Bella met me on the dance floor as they moved the piano off to the side of the stage. "That was beautiful Bella, thank you so much."

"You're welcome Edward but I still have one more surprise for you."

I leaned down to kiss her, "I love you Bella."

"I love you too Edward."

The lead singer stepped up to the microphone, "We have a request from Edward Cullen. Mrs. Sinclair this is for you." She smirks at me as I pull her into my arms as the band starts to play I Don't Want To Miss A Thing by Aerosmith.

"You aren't the only one who can speak through music." I tell her as we dance and I gently sing to her. "I just wanna stay with you in this moment forever, forever and ever."

Holding her close like this felt so right, she fit so perfectly into me it was like we were made for each other. "You were made for me Bella, I do want to stay with you like this forever."

"Me too Edward, me too." She said as she reached up to kiss me.

The band played a few more songs and then the fireworks started, Bella excused herself before they ended. "I need to go get ready for next surprise Edward, remember a sense of humor about things."

"What could you possible do that would require me to have a sense of humor about it?"

"You'll see but remember, it's a tradition and if you like I'll go it again just for you."

I couldn't imagine what she could do that would require me to see the humor in it. The fireworks ended and parents were once again warned that they may not want their kids under 18 to see the next portion of the party.

As the DJ was playing and people were shuffling kids inside Jasper asked me, "How do you do it Edward?"

"Do what?"

"It would drive me crazy to constantly have a third person within 10 feet of me and Alice. It has to be hard on you."

"It was at first but the only reason William is here now instead of Anthony is because it is night and with so many people here the estate isn't secure. Normally this is one of the few places we have absolute freedom. I guess I have just gotten used to it, they are very discreet and as you have seen he isn't intrusive unless it is necessary."

"But still, to it have it like this whenever you go out?" Emmett asked.

"It isn't like this normally. When we go out there is generally a four man detail with us and one of them is the driver. If we go to a restaurant two of them go in with us but sit a couple of tables away while the other two stay outside. They call it close shadowing, the times she does not have a threat she is still followed but at a distance and only by two of them. She said most of the time she doesn't even see them."

"So she's always followed." Jasper asked and I just nodded my head.

"I can't get into the reasons why but yes she is. William and Grey flew in the morning after Black followed us on our first date and in public one of them or Anthony is always with her."

"Them specifically?" Rose wondered.

"Yes they specialize in hand to hand combat and used to be Navy SEALS, most of her detail is ex-military." I looked at my family and most looked like they thought it was a little crazy to have that type of protection. "She has her reasons for the level of protection she has and trust me they are valid ones."

"Let me have everyone's attention please" the DJ shouted. "It is my understanding that it is tradition to have a kind of dance off between the younger ladies, let's say under 35 and the more mature ladies over 35. I think it was started because it is mostly mothers vs. daughters and they wanted to see who can bring it the best. Mrs. Sinclair always learns both dances and after a mean game of rock, paper, scissors it was decided that this year she will dance with the over 35 group of ladies. The rules are: They dance as a group, they are allowed to use props including people as long as they are just props and your reaction after each group will judge who wins. So let's get this first competition with Salt Shaker by the Ying Yang Twins."

The music started and about 15 women walked out in the skimpiest outfits I have ever seen and stripper poles started rising out of the stage floor. It only took a few minutes to figure out why they warned parents to remove kids under 18, although it looked as if a few boys around 16 managed to stay and enjoy the show.

"Oh. My. God." Dad said. "I had no idea women could move their..." he sheepishly looked at my mother, "like that."

The women were shaking every thing they had to the beat of the music and it is hard to watch and not get, well hard.

"Are you trying to tell me you don't like it Carlisle." Mom said innocently, too innocently.

"Well, it is very...um...interesting?" He offered as a question.

Mom, Alice and Rose started laughing. "It's fine" Rose said, "Bella warned us about this would be happening and the two songs they would dance too. It is good, not so clean fun and we are fine with it. It started as a contest when some of the executives daughters challenged their mothers at the picnic one year and it has stuck every since. As the popular dances in clubs get...more provocative so do the dances here."

The song ended and the crowd went wild, the men in the crowd did anyway. "Ok let's settle down now," the DJ said. The next group of ladies will be dancing to Low by Flo Rida."

There looked to be about 14 of them walking out and holy shit she was wearing a very tight pair of jeans that barely covered her ass...her ass was f-i-n-e fine in those jeans too. What she would call a top was actually a leather vest that hugged her curves and pressed her breasts together in a sinful way, her back was almost entirely exposed. Fuck I hope we don't have to stick around too long after this. Then the music started, some of the women were dancing with men and others, like Bella, were using the poles to dance against and the way she moved should be illegal.

The way she was working her ass against the pole, dropping down and moving back up then arching her back making her chest stick out. I had a massive hard on I was trying hard not to rub and then came a line in the song, she turned around and gave that big booty a smack, and she slapped her ass. I was out of my chair before I fully realized what I was doing, thank god Alice grabbed my arm before I got too far.

"Where are going?" Alice laughed.

I sat back down and looked to the stage. Bella was now dancing facing the pole and she threw her head back so her hair fanned and the way she was arched it was hitting below her ass. "Fucckkk, she knows what that does to me." I mumbled.

"Did you say something Edward? Are you sure you're ok?" Jasper asked.

"Yeah - I'm fine."

"Are you sure because you look like your ready to jump Bella on the stage?" Emmett laughed.

"No, I'm good. I'm very, very good." I said absently as I heard my family laugh. I remembered what she said about me needing a sense of humor and I looked around the patio and noticed the look in the men's eyes, they weren't just looking at her but their faces said they wanted to fuck someone on the stage. I didn't want men looking at her like that and I started to get angry. Then it hit me what she said she would do if I kept my sense of humor, she would do it again just for me, damn I hope she will do it naked with me in place of the pole. That made it much easier to tolerate the looks she was getting and I concentrated on her dancing and what she would hopefully be doing to me later.

The song came to an end and the response was even louder than the first song, personally I was having a hard time getting past the beads of sweat running down her chest. Emmett was right I wanted to jump her right on stage. Bella was making her way over to our table as her group was declared the winner and the younger ladies had to serve the older group.

"I had no idea you could dance like that Bella." Esme stated.

"It actually isn't that hard and the yoga I do has kept me very flexible. I can teach you how to do it if you like." I watched my father's eye pop open as all three of them took her up on her offer. I excused us from the table and skirted the dance floor where another contest was on involving couples and walked towards the water with her.

"So, did you like the dance Edward?"

"I did but I must admit I am going to like it even better when you do it for me privately later, preferably naked." I said as I kissed her neck.

"Mmmm, yes with both of us naked it should prove very...interesting." She purred at me as she bit my jaw.

"Please tell me we do not have to stay down here very much longer?" I asked pulling her to me and rubbing my hard on against her.

"Just long enough for me to talk to Mary and Stephen, they can handle making sure everyone gets where they should be safely and we need to say goodnight to your family."

"Go, let's go. I have missed you so much this week, I want to make up for that."

It took us an hour before we could escape the party but it was worth it for the naked dance she did for me. The song was playing and she only got to the second 'booty smack' before I was all over her. I turned her around, wrapped her legs around me and slowly slid her onto me as I walked to the bed. "Damn Bella, you feel so good." I sat on the end of the bed so she could ride me. "I'm not going to last Bella, I need you so much baby." She had her fingers in my hair moving up and down slowly, driving me crazy.

"I know Edward I am so close already, I missed you this week." I was trying very hard to go slow when what I really wanted to do was fuck her senseless. She started moving rougher on me and I just...snapped. I lifted her off me and put her on her knees on the bed and immediately started pounding into her, pulling her back to me with each thrust.

"You shouldn't tease me Bella...tight...cum with me baby."

"Yes Edward...god...so good...close...harder."

I was so close I was begging, "cum baby...please." I felt her clinch around me just I released and slowed my thrusts so we could ride out our orgasm together. I pulled out of her and moved us so we were under the covers and she was resting with her head on my chest.

"I love you Bella. I don't care how busy we are I can't go a week without seeing or being with you, I miss you too much."

"I know Edward, but it is rare for both of us to be this busy. I love you too."

We dozed for a while before making love at a slower pace this time, as she drifted off to sleep again I looked at her in wonder as more pieces of the puzzle that was Bella fell into place. I was going to spend the rest of my life finding out her secrets and putting that puzzle together.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or its characters.

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